Amidst the rising number of coronavirus cases, people are looking for ways to safeguard themselves from the deadly. Recently social media in Cambodia is stormed with a claim that says, steam inhalation can fight coronavirus. There’s no proof steam inhalation cures Covid-19.
While steaming has emerged as a popular home remedy to beat Covid, doctors say all it does is ease a stuffy nose. Even though steaming is useful to relieve congestion or cold in the upper respiratory tract, it does not help with pneumonia or any condition of the lung or help treat an infection in any way, clarify experts.
However, steaming carries a high risk of scalding, or burning, of both skin and airways, when done improperly or incorrectly.
This is in no way enough evidence to warrant encouraging people to inhale steam to prevent or treat Covid-19, especially if it means they don’t adhere as strictly to proven methods of prevention, for example, increased handwashing, wearing face coverings, and social distancing.
Inhaling steam is a traditional remedy used by some to treat colds, but there’s no evidence it works for that either.
* All content published is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.